By Julie Achtermeier
Over the past twelve months of lockdowns, restrictions, working from home and schooling from home, the “home” itself has become more than just a landing place. It is where we have three meals a day, work, spend our downtime, and even work out. Whether you are a family of one, two, four or more, most of us have found the year in close quarters to be, well, close.
Every day it becomes more apparent that our mental health is being affected by a year of stress, worry, and restrictions due to the global pandemic. Some days we must dig deep to keep ourselves healthy, mentally and physically. Carving out a new wellness space is a great way to take care of you and your family’s mental health and provide a much-needed escape from the daily routine. The key to remember is that this is for some alone time, so an investment in furniture will be minimal.
Find the Ideal Spot
If you have a family like mine (two teenagers, a husband and a dog), you may have searched for somewhere to escape once or twice over the past year. The key to finding a quiet nook isn’t just about finding extra space. The goal is to find an area of the house that’s quiet and off the beaten path. A cozy reading chair in the family room isn’t going to give you any peace if someone’s watching a hockey game.
Since the area is for one person, only a small space is required. A landing, corner of a bedroom or even a walk-in closet can become a peaceful haven once you re-designate its usage. If space is a challenge, think of unconventional areas like the foyer, an entranceway or even a mudroom. The best way to start is to survey your home and see if your current layout and function suit today’s needs.
For example, in my house, we have a small dining area that had become nothing more than a place to throw papers, homework and mail. We asked ourselves: Is this the best use of this space, given we will not be entertaining anytime soon? We removed the dining set and made the area a second office, moving my writing desk out of the master bedroom. With a now-free corner of the bedroom, we created a quiet place for anyone to use when they need a little recharge. Not only did this create a quiet nook, but it also took “work” out of the bedroom, helping me get a better night’s sleep.
Keep Decor Minimal
Once you have chosen your spot, decorate with one comfortable chair and a calm motif. If you’re looking for a more significant project, you could repaint the walls and change the lighting, but this renovation can be low maintenance and inexpensive for quick results. Keep in mind the functionality of the space and only add items that will enhance the experience. A painting with a peaceful scene, a crocheted blanket, a small table with a reading light, and an essential oil diffuser are all enjoyable items you can add. It could also function as an area to meditate by adding a floor cushion, a salt lamp or some candles. Keep the area clutter-free and set a rule that whoever uses the space, takes their book, computer, teacup or any other items with them when they leave.
The goal is to help you recharge, not become another area to clean.
Set the Mood
This quiet space can be somewhere to close your eyes and rest, or a place to retreat with a good book and glass of wine. No matter how you spend your time here, set the mood first by ensuring your family knows this is your uninterrupted quiet time. Get comfortable and take three big breaths to indicate to your body and mind that you are now slowing down. Avoid bringing work to this area and keep the focus on rest and relaxation.
If in doubt, keep calm and carry on.
